Parents can keep kids safe if they ‘Take 25’

Pictured from left to right are Telecommunication Operator Nicolette Malizzio, Safe T BEE, and Berwyn Police Chief James Ritz at last year's Take25 event.

BERWYN – It can take as little as 25 minutes to avoid the unthinkable.

Berwyn will host its 2nd Annual Take 25 “Bee Safe” Open House promoting child safety from 5 to 9 p.m. May 17 at the Berwyn Police Department, 6401 W. 31st St.

At the core of the event, parents are encouraged to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety and abduction prevention. The educational open house offers tips on Internet safety for children and parents, child ID kits with photographs and fingerprints and short safety movies geared toward toddlers and preschool age children.

Ten child locators donated by Mayor Robert Lovero will be raffled and the Safe T. Bee mascot will be available for photos.

Their are tips for parents and guardians on what to look for when your child is on the Internet, summer safety tips and other activities designed to be fun. The event is part of a national effort to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day on May 25.

Berwyn Police Division Commander Michael Cimaglia said the greater the education given to children and parents, the more the doors of communication opens between the community and law enforcement.

“It also makes them safe and teaches them how to handle situations, both children and parents,” Cimaglia said.

“It happens frequently enough where a child wanders out of the house or doesn’t come home from school on time and it creates complete chaos.”

On occasion, people may find a toddler strolling alone on the street, Cimaglia added.

“Those are always fun, trying to get a toddler to tell you where they live.”

Last year, the department’s dispatch center was recognized on the national level for what they’ve accomplished in the field of exploited children.

“We just can’t educate them enough on how to stay safe,” Mann said.

Information is available by calling Jody Mann at 708-795-2117 or by emailing jmann@
ci.berwyn.il.us.